The best bites are in, and June is a great time to go out to eat since there are no holidays impeding on dining, most kids are out of school, and some days it’s just too hot to be outside so air conditioned meals are key. Of course with that warm weather lighter fare is in order, though it might surprise you how airy a dumpling can be. From cookies to a sandwich at the zoo to barbecue, here are the dishes from June that we can’t stop thinking about.
Quesabirrias at Ruben’s Restaurant
For the longest time I’ve driven by this small Mexican joint near my house, and shortly after enjoying all the treats from Top Taco I was inspired to just pull in and get some lunch before my son and I headed home. Best decision of the month. Right outside the Westminster restaurant you’ll find large vats of food cooking in spices, which the restaurant does daily. We tried the tender meat inside quesabirria tacos, which were crisp on the outside and decadent with melted cheese and shredded beef inside. The fresh salsas added on to the experience and now it’s a favorite spot of ours. 2755 W. 72nd Ave., Westminster, rubensmexicanrestaurantco.com
Curry Momo at Momo House
Momo House started as a small vendor serving the Nepalese-style dumpling called “momo” at local farmers’ markets. Then, in March, 2023, it opened its first brick-and-mortar spot in Westminster. The small shop has been going strong ever since, and while each preparation (steamed, pan fried, deep fried, tossed in chili sauce) offers a tasty take on the dumpling, the curry sauce stands out. Get a combo plate to try all five flavors of momo, though the chicken and lamb were the favorites. 7729 W. 92nd Ave., Westminster, therealmomohouse.com
Chocolate Tahini Cookie at Hearth
At the end of May the new location of Hearth opened in Highlands, which is where I finally tried the Chocolate Tahini Cookie. It’s thin, chewy, and packs a lot of flavor thanks to the harmonious blend of dark chocolate with the roasted nuttiness of sesame. The dessert isn’t too sweet either, making it a great companion if you’re drinking a sugary coffee drink, or a simple black cold brew. All pastries are made fresh in house, and tend to sell out daily, so double check the cookie is there or go early. Multiple locations, hearthdenver.com
Smoked Turkey at Riot BBQ
Everything pitmaster Patrick Klaiber and chef Manny Barella are doing at the newly-opened Riot BBQ is hitting, but the sleeper secret is the smoked turkey. No seriously, it may be the best smoked turkey I’ve ever had. Tender, flavorful without being too smoky, and none of that Thanksgiving essence so many turkey dishes tend to exude. Pair it with the equally addictive elote corn bread for a stellar meal. 2180 S. Delaware St., riotbbqcompany.com
Beef Chow Fun at Chopstix Fusion
You’ll find Chopstix Fusion tucked into a corner of a strip mall on the border of Denver and Aurora, a small spot dishing out Hong Kong cuisine and wonderful cakes thanks to the owner Wendy Tong’s background in pastry. Dessert aside, the Beef Chow Fun hit all the right nostalgia notes only really good Chinese food can. It’s a large, umami-rich plate of warm, savory noodles, tender slivers of beef, and sauteed onions. Share it with a friend, or take leftovers home for double the pleasure. 2020 S. Parker Rd., Denver, no website
Beef Tallow Loaded Fries at Samos Grill
After stopping by the newly-opened stand-alone location Samos Grill, which also operates as a popular Mediterranean food truck, I am hooked on the beef tallow fries. The beef tallow gives the potato a deep, richer flavor than the usual vegetable oil does, making it memorable and something to crave. The loaded version is even better, and a complete meal given the hefty dish comes with choice chicken or the lamb and beef combination of shaved meat. It’s also topped with diced onions, tomatoes, chickpeas, and feta, and then drizzled with garlic yogurt, hot sauce, and lemon juice. 11601 Montview Blvd., Aurora, no website
Aged Toro Sushi at Kumoya
Everything chef Cory Baker is dishing up at Kumoya in Highland is pretty fantastic, but the dry-aged fish program really stands out. Currently the menu includes toro, or fatty tuna, aged for 34 days. The process gives it a velvety texture and pleasing mouthfeel, as well as imparts a depth to the rich tuna, which comes from Mexico. While certainly indulgent, it’s a little luxury anyone can enjoy. 2400 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, kumoyadenver.com
Beef Tibs Plate at Konjo Ethiopian Food
When Konjo added a location at the Denver Milk Market last month I got reacquainted with chef Fetien Gebre-Michael’s flavorful Ethiopian fare. The business started as a catering company, then a food truck, and then the first brick and mortar spot opened in Edgewater Public Market in 2019. Since then the menu has remained roughly the same with traditional Ethiopian injera, spiced vegetables, and meat stews. It’s all so good, and the berbere-laced beef tibs paired with the pleasing sour and spongy aspects of the injera really hit home this past month. Try it for yourself at both foodhalls. Multiple locations, konjoethiopianfood.com
Deli Pizza Pocket at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance
Seriously, the food program at the Denver Zoo is getting better and better. Throughout the whole property are different cafes to choose from, and Café Costa by the newly-revamped sea lion area is where the pizza items are. Last time I visited the Deli Pizza Pocket called to us, and it was a great choice. Filled with salami, mortadella, ham, fresh mozzarella, tomato, tons of fresh arugula, and pesto, the large sandwich could easily feed a very hungry adult or a semi-hungry adult and a tween with no problem. It’s 100-times better than anything I remember eating at the zoo growing up, and makes for a bonus reason to go and visit all the baby animals. 2300 Steele St., Denver, denverzoo.org
